Wolf raids campsites, prompts closures at Isle Royale National Park

In recent weeks, a wolf in Isle Royale National Park has been raiding food and backpacks at campsites, sniffing and pawing at tents, and even entering tents.

The behavior has prompted officials with Isle Royale National Park to temporarily close individual and group campsites and prohibit tent and hammock use at Three Mile Campground for the safety of the public. The shelters at the campground will remain open.

“The wolf has become increasingly bold, showing signs of habituation and growing reliance on human food,” park officials said.

In response, park officials have hazed the wolf, improved trash and recycling management, and implemented stricter food storage rules. So far, however, the wolf remains an uninvited fan of human snacks.

“This recent focus on tents and backpacks at Three Mile Campground is a serious concern,” park officials said.

A wolf with a stolen dry bag that was left unattended in Three Mile campground on Isle Royale. Photo by the National Park Service

During the closure, park staff will intensify hazing efforts in the campground and developed areas during daylight hours to discourage the wolf from returning. Park officials said hazing efforts include loudly shouting, stomping, clapping, sounding airhorns, and discharging paintball guns.

Furthermore, efforts will include installing “noise-producing devices” around Rock Harbor, Three Mile, and Daisy Farm Campgrounds to alert staff and visitors to the presence of wolves, officials said.

“Visitor safety and the protection of wildlife are our highest priorities,” said Park Superintendent Denice Swanke. “We ask for your support in securing food, trash, and scented items consistent with 2026 food storage guidelines.”

Isle Royale is a 134,000-acre national park on Lake Superior, located about 22 miles from Grand Portage. The national park is home to approximately 37 wolves as of the latest population survey.

The Three Mile Campground closure begins July 9 and will continue through July 31. Park officials said the goal is to reopen the tent and group sites and off-trail zones on August 1, but the closure could continue, and additional regulations or closures may be necessary. Three Mile Campground is nearly 3 miles southwest of Rock Harbor.

Earlier this week, park officials closed the Duncan Narrows Campground between July 6-8 due to “increasing frequency of interactions between humans and wildlife.” Park officials did not specify what type of wildlife was causing the issue.

Last year, park officials announced they had to kill a wolf after an increasing number of interactions and incidents involving human food at campsites, MLive reported.

In April, park officials updated the national park’s food storage regulations. All backpackers, campers, and recreationists visiting the park must store food, trash, and scented items in a food storage locker or in an approved, animal-resistant, hard-sided container.

Food storage lockers are available at most campgrounds on the island. Additional installation efforts are ongoing. Food hanging is not allowed in campgrounds.

For more information, visit Food Storage – Isle Royale National Park (U.S. National Park Service) or contact the Houghton Visitor Center at (906) 482-0984 or by email.

Kalli Hawkins July 9, 2026